Chaka Khan, the singer behind the hits "Through the Fire" and "I'm Every Woman," was motivated to enter a rehabilitation program for her drug abuse issues after the death of Prince. According to the singer's representatives, she decided to seek treatment because she is currently battling the same addiction that reportedly led to the iconic artist's death.
As noted by E! Online, Prince died in April after allegedly overdosing on a type of painkiller known as fentanyl. The incident had a huge impact on the entire music community, especially the artists who knew the singer personally and those who frequently collaborated with him. One of those is Chaka Khan, who even released her own rendition of Prince's single, "I Feel for You," back in 1984.
Following Prince's death, Chaka Khan became worried about her own life since she has also become addicted to prescription drugs. According to her representatives, this is what prompted the singer to enter into a rehabilitation program last week. This, however, means that she will not be able to perform at her scheduled concerts this month.
"Chaka Khan has entered an addiction and aftercare program which will cause her to postpone all dates scheduled for the month of July," a spokesperson of the singer said in a press release. "Chaka has struggled with a dependence on prescription pain medications and has voluntarily entered the program to get healthy and stay that way."
"As part of the ongoing outpatient treatment the doctors have urged her to resume recording mid-July and commence all performances beginning August 1st and onward," the representative added.
Thank you EVERYONE 4 your well wishes. Here's the OFFICIAL statement regarding my rehab & schedule - https://t.co/XPH6FwqwAc
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) July 10, 2016
Joining her in the rehabilitation program is her younger sister Yvonne Stevens, who is also known as Taka Boom. She is an R&B and dance music singer who's known for the hits "Red Hot," "Middle of the Night" and "Must be the Music."
One of the events that was affected by Chaka Khan's treatment program was her appearance at the Stanislaus County Fair, which was supposed to take place on Wednesday in Turlock, California, according to The Modesto Bee. Although the organizers of the event were saddened by the cancellation of her performance, they understood the importance of Chaka Khan's decision to seek treatment for her serious condition. Adrenna Alkhas, the spokesperson for the event, also noted that they have booked R&B artists Shalamar and Jody Watley as Chaka Khan's replacements.
